Chicago photo courtesy of CSPP. Parthenon photo courtesy of Mr. Michalis Vlastos. Rio-Antirrio Bridge courtesy of Mr. Andreas Polakis.
The World Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) and
The United Hellenic-American Congress (UHAC)
Cordially Invite you to the Symposium
Technology and Investment in Greece
Don't miss the opportunity Greece offers!
September 29-30, 2005
The Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
Home Page | Program | Invitation
Press release
(A press release in Greek is also available) (Το δελτίο τύπου στην Ελληνική)
Following on the success of the June 11 conference Nostos-Science-Technology that brought together scientists of Greek origin to discuss ideas and vision for the growth of Greek economy through technology research and development, the World Council of Hellenes (Greeks) Abroad [SAE] and the United Hellenic American Congress [UHAC], are jointly sponsoring a 2-day symposium on Technology and Investment in Greece.
The symposium will be held at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 29 and 30, 2005. A distinguished host of senior policy makers representing the Greek government will discuss with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators the opportunities Greece offers for technology investments. The language of the event is English.
Greece is a member of the European Union [EU] since 1980. It's currency is the Euro. Greece is currently the only EU member in the Balkan peninsula. There are 19 universities in Greek and numerous higher education technological institutes for applied studies. A contemporary banking system continues to modernize itself through private sector and government initiatives. Greece is known for its hospitality, cuisine, and cultural heritage.
Enterprises operating in Greece have immediate access to the EU market and also to the markets of the Balkan peninsula.
The vast majority of Greece's professional population has a good command of the English language. Penetration of broadband internet access is rising through out the country. The entire nation is covered by GSM networks providing a seamless nexus of telecommunications in addition to the land telephony network that connects Greece to the rest of the world through fiber optic and satellite channels.
Greece's population is approximately 11 million people. Over 100 million people all over the world claim Greek heritage or ancestry.
The symposium will feature Mr. Dimitris Sioufas, Greece's Minister of Development, a senior executive of the Greek government. Mr. Sioufas (pronounced "sioux-fass") is responsible for policy making and coordination for economic growth and development of Greece.
Joining Mr. Sioufas at the symposium will be Dr. Ioannis Tsoukalas (pronounced "chu-kaa-lass"), Secretary General for Research and Technology in Greece. Dr. Tsoukalas' agency plays a role in Greece similar to that of the National Science Foundation in the USA.
Mr. Sioufas will be also accompanied by executives from the Hellenic (Greek) Center for Investments. The center aims to be an one-stop-shop for investors interested in doing business in Greece. Investors attending this symposium may request one-on-one meetings with representatives from the Center for Investments to discuss options and opportunities.
The symposium will also feature Dr. Dimitris Nanopoulos, chairman of the recently created National Council of Research and Technology of Greece. Dr. Nanapoulos is a distinguished physicist and professor at Texas A&M University. The National Council for Research and Technology plays a role in Greece similar to that of the National Science Council in the USA.
Joining Dr. Nanopoulos to represent Greek academics in the US are Dr. Leo Irakliotis and Dr. Yannis Papakonstantinou. Dr. Irakliotis (pronounced "iraq-lee-otis") is the associate chairman of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago and an industry consultant on matters of intellectual property and technology strategy. Dr. Papakonstantinou is an associate professor of computer science at the University of California San Diego and founder of the Enosys Corp. (now part of BAE Systems). Dr. Irakliotis will speak about the potential of academic units in Greece to develop ideas into business plans. Dr. Papakonstantinou will discuss his plans for a new start up in Greece and offer a fresh view of the infrastructure currently available to entrepreneurs.
Dr. Nick Kanopoulos, the Director of Atmel's Multimedia and Communication Business Unit, will discuss his experience from operating a R&D division of his company in Greece.
For further information and registration, please contact Charles Mouratides or visit www.saeworld.org. To register please include your name, title/affiliation, address, telephone, fax and email address.